The 2019 and 2021 CFL seasons were very exciting for the fans of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The Tiger-Cats were able to earn their opportunity to play in the Grey Cup in 2019 and 2021. Unfortunately, the Tiger-Cats did lose both of those Grey Cup games to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. But looking forward to the 2022 CFL season there are still plenty of reasons for Tiger-Cats fans to be excited and hopeful for another opportunity to win a Grey Cup championship.
The foundation for the 2022 Tiger-Cats will be their experienced defense. 10 out of 12 starters return from the 2021 Grey Cup runner-up defense. This includes 2 out of 4 starting defensive lineman. A newcomer to the defensive line is Micah Johnson who comes to the Tiger-Cats from the Saskatchewan Rough Riders. Another new starter on the defensive line is Malik Carney, but he was on the Tiger-Cats defensive line in 2021 as a back up. The entire linebacker and defensive back units have all starters returning.
In contrast with the Tiger-Cats defense, the Tiger-Cats unit is in the process of being re-built this pre-season. The Tiger-Cats offense only has 4 of its 12 starters from the 2021 Grey Cup game returning. 2 of the returning starters are major players in the offensive back field. Quarterback Dane Evans in returning, and he is coming into the season as the starting quarterback.
The Tiger-Cats have lost high profile Jeremiah Masoli to free agency, so it is vitally important that depth is developed at the quarterback position. Don Jackson is also returning as the starting running back for the Tiger-Cats. The receiving unit only returns 1 starter, Steven Dunbar Jr, so it there is a great need to evaluate the current wide receivers on the roster and work to maximize their talent. The offensive line is also be re-built, only 1 starter returns from the 2021 offensive line Brandon Revenburg. One of the major goals for the pre-season will be for this new group of offensive players to build chemistry and learn to play well as a unit.
The specialists unit for the Tiger-Cats from the 2021 Grey Cup returns for the 2022 season. Also, head coach Orlondo Steinauer returns as the head coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Coach Steinauer has been very successful has the head coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as fans can expect this success to continue into the 2022 season.
With the Tiger-Cats defense, special teams, and head coach returning in 2022, this Hamilton team should have a chance to have a successful 2022. The offense needs to develop quickly and come together. Ultimately, if the Tiger-Cats can avoid significant injuries and can protect the football the odds are very good for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to have a successful season and get a 3rd consecutive opportunity to play in the Grey Cup championship in 2022.
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